NFPA 2001, “Standard on Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems,

2018” REVIEW SUMMARY

1) NFPA 2001 REVISION SUMMARY

For the 2018 edition, the chapter on inspection, testing, maintenance, and training was completely reorganized to
improve usability of the standard and to comply with the Manual of Style for NFPA Technical Committee Documents.
As part of this revision, the content was split into two distinct chapters: Chapter 7, Approval of Installations, and
Chapter 8, Inspection, Servicing, Testing, Maintenance, and Training. Definitions of inspection, maintenance, and
service were added, as well as a requirement for integrated fire protection and life safety systems to be tested in
accordance with NFPA 4. In addition, the standard now requires an egress time study for all clean agent systems, not
just those where the design concentration is greater than the NOAEL. A definition of abort switch was added, and the
definition of clean agent was revised. A requirement to install dirt traps at the end of each pipe run was added. The
requirements for pipe and fittings were reviewed and updated in accordance with the latest reference standards. A new
section on pipe hangers and supports was added. New requirements regarding releasing panels were added.

2) NOTED CHANGES OF SIGNIFICANCE

NFPA 2001 2015 Edition NFPA 2001 2018 Edition

Chapter 1 - Administration
1.4.2.2* Clean agents shall not be used on fires 1.4.2.2 Clean agents shall not be used on fires involving
involving the following materials unless the agents have the following materials unless the agents have been
been tested to the satisfaction of the authority having tested to the satisfaction of the authority having
jurisdiction: jurisdiction:
(1) Certain chemicals or mixtures of chemicals, such as (1) Certain chemicals or mixtures of chemicals, such as
cellulose nitrate and gunpowder, which are capable of cellulose nitrate and gunpowder, which are capable of
rapid oxidation in the absence of air rapid oxidation in the absence of air
(2) Reactive metals such as lithium, sodium, potassium, (2) Reactive metals such as lithium, sodium, potassium,
magnesium, titanium, zirconium, uranium, and magnesium, titanium, zirconium, uranium, and
plutonium plutonium
(3) Metal hydrides (3) Metal hydrides
(4) Chemicals capable of undergoing autothermal (4) Chemicals capable of undergoing autothermal
decomposition, such as certain organic peroxides and decomposition, such as certain organic peroxides,
hydrazine pyrophoric materials, and hydrazine
1.5.2 Electrical Clearances.
1.5.2 Electrical Clearances.
1.5.2.1 All system components shall be located to
1.5.2.1 All system components shall be located to
maintain no
maintain
less than minimum clearances from energized electrical
no less than minimum clearances from energized
parts.
electrical
The following references shall be considered as the
parts. The following references shall be considered as
minimum
the
electrical clearance requirements for the installation of
minimum electrical clearance requirements for the
clean
installation
agent systems:
of clean agent systems:
(1) IEEE C2, National Electrical Safety Code
(1) ANSI C2
(2) NFPA 70, National Electrical Code
(2) NFPA 70
(3) 29 CFR 1910, Subpart S, “Electrical Engineering”
(3) 29 CFR 1910, Subpart S
1.5.1.4 An egress time study shall be performed to
verify that the maximum exposure time limits in
Content Added
1.5.1.2.1 and 1.5.1.3 are achieved.

Chapter 2 – Referenced Publications

No Substantial Changes

Chapter 3 – Definitions
 3.3.1* Abort Switch. A system control that, when
operated
during the releasing panel’s release delay countdown,
extends
the delay in accordance with a predetermined effect.

3.3.17 Inspection. A visual examination of a system or

Content Added portion thereof to verify that it appears to be in operating
condition and is free of physical damage.

3.3.22 Maintenance. Work performed to ensure that the

equipment operates as directed by the manufacturer.

3.3.36 Service. Performance of maintenance, recharge,

or testing.
Chapter 4 – Components
4.2.1.6 Dirt Trap. A dirt trap consisting of a tee with a
Content Added capped nipple, at least 2 in. (50mm) long, shall be
installed at the end of each pipe run.
4.2.2 Pipe Joints. Pipe joints other than threaded,
4.2.2 Pipe Connections.
welded, brazed, flared, compression, or flanged type
4.2.2.1 Pipe joints other than threaded, welded, brazed,
shall be listed or approved.
flared, compression, or flanged type shall be listed or
4.2.3 Fittings.
approved.
4.2.3.1* Fittings shall have a minimum rated working
4.2.2.2* Fittings shall have a minimum rated working
pressure equal to or greater than the minimum design
pressure equal to or greater than the minimum design
working pressure specified in 4.2.1.1, for the clean agent
working pressure specified in 4.2.1.1, for the clean agent
being used, or as otherwise listed or approved. For
being used, or as otherwise listed or approved.
systems that employ the use of a pressure-reducing
4.2.2.3 For systems that employ the use of a pressure-
device in the distribution piping, the fittings downstream
reducing device in the distribution piping, the fittings
of the device shall have a minimum rated working
downstream of the device shall have a minimum rated
pressure equal to or greater than the maximum
working pressure equal to or greater than the maximum
anticipated
anticipated pressure in the downstream piping.
pressure in the downstream piping.
4.2.2.6 All threads used in joints and fittings shall
conform to ASME B1.20.1, Standard on Pipe Threads,
4.2.3.4 All threads used in joints and fittings shall General Purpose, or ISO
conform to ANSI B1.20.1 or ISO 7-1. Joint compound, 7-1, Pipe Threads Where Pressure-Tight Joints Are
tape, or thread lubricant shall be applied only to the Made on the Threads — Part 1: Dimensions, Tolerances
male threads of the joint. and Designation. Joint compound, tape, or thread
lubricant shall be applied only to
the male threads of the joint.
4.2.2.10 Where grooved fittings are used to join pipe,
Content Added the manufacturer’s pressure and temperature ratings of
the fitting shall not be exceeded.
4.2.3 Pipe Hangers and Supports. Pipe hangers and
supports shall be designed and installed in accordance
with recognized industry practices and manufacturer’s
instructions.
4.2.3.1 All pipe hangers and supports shall be attached
directly to a rigid fixed structure.
4.2.3.2 All hangers and components shall be steel
4.2.3.3 Ordinary cast-iron hangers/supports, conduit
clamps or “C” clamps shall not be used.
Content Added
4.2.3.4 All pipe supports shall be designed and installed
to prevent lateral movement of supported pipe during
system discharge while permitting longitudinal
movement to accommodate expansion and contraction
caused by temperature changes.
4.2.3.4.1 Rigid hangers shall be installed wherever a
change in elevation or direction occurs.
4.2.3.4.2 Nozzles shall be supported so as to prevent
movement of the nozzle during discharge
 4.2.3.5 Where seismic bracing is required, bracing shall
be in accordance with local codes and the authority
having jurisdiction.

4.3 Detection, Actuation, Alarm and Control

Systems.
4.3.1.1.1 The clean agent suppression system or group
of systems shall be controlled by a listed clean agent
releasing control panel(s) that is listed for monitoring
the associated initiating devices, meets the listed
compatibility requirements per 4.3.4.1 for actuation of
the associated suppression system releasing device(s),
and controls the associated suppression system
notification appliances.
4.3.1.1.2 A protected premises building fire alarm
system shall be permitted to serve as a clean agent
Content Added
suppression system releasing control panel only if it is
listed for release with the specific clean agent
suppression system’s releasing device per 4.3.4.1.
4.3.1.1.3If the clean agent suppression system releasing
control panel is located in a protected premises having a
separate building fire alarm system, it shall be
monitored by the building fire alarm system for alarm,
supervisory, and trouble signals.
4.3.1.1.4 The clean agent suppression system releasing
control panel shall not be dependent upon or affected by
the operation or failure of the protected premises
building fire alarm.
4.3.6.4 The disconnect switch shall be secured against
4.3.6.4 The disconnect switch shall be located inside a unauthorized use by one of the following methods:
lockable fire alarm control panel, inside a lockable (1) Locate inside a lockable releasing control panel
enclosure, or require a key for activation of the switch. (2) Locate inside a lockable enclosure
(3) Require a key for activation of the switch

Chapter 5 – System Design

5.5.3* Design Factors. In addition to the concentration
5.5.3* Design Factors. Where special conditions could
requirements, additional quantities of agent are required
affect the extinguishing efficiency, the minimum
through the use of design factors to compensate for any
quantity of agent shall be increased through the use of
special conditions that would affect the extinguishing
design factors.
efficiency.

Chapter 6 – Local Application Systems

No Substantial Changes

Chapter 7 – Approval of Installations

7.2* General.
7.7.1 General. The completed system shall be reviewed
7.2.1 The completed system shall be reviewed and tested
and tested by qualified personnel to meet the approval of
by personnel that have knowledge and experience of the
the authority having jurisdiction. Only listed equipment
requirements contained in this standard, of the installed
and devices shall be used in the systems. To determine
equipment, and of the manufacturer’s design,
that the system has been properly installed and will
installation, and maintenance manual.
function as specified, the following tests shall be
7.2.2 Only listed equipment and devices shall be used in
performed.
the systems.
7.2.3. System Acceptance Testing
7.2.3.1 The system shall be tested in accordance with
Content added
the requirements of this standard and the manufacturer’s
design, installation, and maintenance manual.
 7.2.3.2 Equipment shall be inspected to verify that it is
installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions and the system design documents.
7.2.3.3 The actual hazard dimensions shall be checked
against those indicated on the system drawings to verify
the quantity of agent.
7.2.3.7 When applicable for system operation, fan
coastdown and damper closure time shall be verified
that they are in accordance with the system design
criteria
7.2.4 When required by project specifications, integrated
fire protection and life safety system testing shall be in
accordance with NFPA 4.

7.5 Review of Enclosure Integrity

7.5.1 It shall be determined that the protected enclosure
is in general conformance with the construction
documents.

7.6.11 The detectors shall be installed in accordance

with the manufacturer’s technical data and the
requirements of NFPA 72.

7.6.12 Manual Pull Stations

7.6.12.1 Manual pull stations shall be securely mounted.
7.6.12.2 The operable part of a manual pull station shall
be not less than 42 in. (1.07 m) and not more than 48 in.
Content added (1.22 m) from the finished floor.
7.6.14.6 The operable part of an abort switch shall be
not less than 42 in. (1.07 m) and not more than 48 in.
(1.22 m) from the finished floor.

7.8 Owner’s Documentation.

7.8.1 Paper or electronic copies of all test reports and
related documentation shall be provided to the system
Content added
owner.
7.8.2 The system owner shall maintain these reports for
the life of the system.

Chapter 8 – Inspection, Servicing, Maintenance, and Training

8.2 Monthly Inspection.
8.2.1 At least monthly, a visual inspection shall be
conducted in accordance with the manufacturer’s listed
maintenance manual or owner’s manual.
8.2.2 At a minimum, the inspection shall include
verification of the following, as applicable:
(1) Releasing panel is powered and is free of
supervisory, trouble, or alarm conditions.
(2) Manual controls are unobstructed.
(3) System shows no physical damage or condition that
Content Added could prevent operation.
(4) Pressure gauges are in the operable range.
(5) Protected equipment and/or hazard has not been
changed or modified.
(6) Any previously noted deficiencies have been
corrected.
8.2.3 If any deficiencies are found, appropriate
corrective action shall be taken immediately.
8.2.4 Where the corrective action involves maintenance
or repair, it shall be conducted by a fire protection
service technician, in accordance with 8.1.2.
 8.2.5 When inspections are conducted, a record
verifying that the inspection was completed shall be
maintained by the owner.
8.2.5.1 The record shall include the date the inspection
was performed and the initials of the person performing
the inspection.
8.2.5.2 The record shall include any deficiencies that
were found.
8.2.5.3 The records shall be retained until the next
semiannual service and inspection

Chapter 9 – Marine Systems

No Substantial Changes

3) RESULTS IN A FUNDING ISSUE (Do Not Adopt Until Resolved)?

No, NFPA 2001 is not a retroactive code.

4) FIRE PROTECTION PROGRAM CHANGE REQUIRED (Changes Required During Implementation After
Adoption)?

There is a new requirement for monthly visual inspection reflected in OSR 10-312. The one thing that is not listed on
OSR 10-312 is 8.2.2(1), which is the requirement to inspect the releasing panel.

5) IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR FIELD ENGINEERS?

Reviewed By: Date:

R. Kelsey Foster 6/25/2018